Racers honor slain police officer

Saturday

BRENTWOOD — About 600 runners participated in the fourth annual Officer Stephen Arkell Community 5K Saturday, with the top male and female finishes belonging to a Brentwood brother and sister.

James Sullivan, 15, was first to cross the finish line at 16:44 minutes, and his sister Violet, 17, was the first woman to cross, at 19:27 minutes. Both are students at Exeter High School, and both are runners for the school.

"I like to run, but I also wanted to be here to support the town and Steve Arkell," said Violet, a junior at EHS.

"We like to run and I wanted to win," said James, a freshman at EHS.

Before the race, Brentwood resident Karen Myers, who knows the Sullivan family, bet they would win. She said they are both very competitive and looked "really determined."

The event pays tribute to Stephen Arkell, his family and all of New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers who have sacrificed to make the Granite State safer and stronger.

The race raises money for the Officer Stephen Arkell Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit https://officerarkell5k.org. Arkell was shot and killed after responding to a domestic dispute at a home in Brentwood on May 12, 2014. The scholarship fund benefits students of Exeter High School, where Arkell attended. Eligible students must demonstrate the same sense of community, volunteerism and love of athletics that Arkell possessed. For more information, visit https://officerarkell5k.org/scholarship.

The race was started by officer Josh Turner and former Brentwood state Rep. Curtis Grace.

"In the four years, we have had over 3,000 runners and have raised $150,000 for scholarships," Turner said. "This year, we will have $5,000 to give out to one or more students."

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, who was New Hampshire's governor when Arkell was killed, spoke at the event, first thanking the Arkell family for their support of Arkell in his career.

"I am here to honor Steve Arkell and his family, and all law enforcement," Hassan said. "Our officers put themselves on the front lines every day. We can't thank them enough, but we can show our gratitude in ways like today's event."

Police officers came from across the state to take part. A motorcycle contingent led the runners on the course, followed by a Brentwood cruiser, driven by Sgt. Denny Wood.

There were a few four-legged runners, including the York, Maine, Police Department's K9-in-training Gunther. The 18-month old shepherd ran with canine officer Jon Rogers to the delight of the kids at the race.

Brentwood Cub Scout Pack 192 led the Pledge of Allegiance and also held a bake sale.

"We will donate all proceeds of the bake sale to the Arkell memorial fund," said Scout leaders Karrie Mason and Eric Brown.

Madeline Blandini, 15, of Brentwood, sang the national anthem.

"Four years ago, I thought I knew Steve Arkell," Turner said as the race was about to begin. "I knew he was humble, kind and he got along with everyone. I know now that he was much more to the people of this town. I have heard countless stories and I know now what an impact he had on this community. Steve will always be remembered here, not for how he died, but for how he lived."

Full race results can be found at https://bit.ly/2wACkvJ.

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